The capital city of the erstwhile
Holkar rulers, Indore is rightly referred to
as Mini Mumbai. Located in the Narmada
River valley in the state of Madhya Pradesh,
Indore is a significant industrial city of India.
It is also the centre of trade and textile industry
and home to several historical monuments.

The city was built by a Holkar Rani Ahilya Bai,
one of the famous queens of India. As such there
are a number of monuments in Indore belonging
to the Holkars . Indore
is famous for its temples . The

architecture of the
monuments in Indore is the amalgamation
of different styles. The Rajwada
or the old palace, located in the old
part of the city, near the bustling Khajuri
Bazaar, is an important site to visit.
This building is a unique blend of French,
Mughal and Maratha style of architecture.
This seven story, 200-year-old building
is a reflection of the glory of the Holkars.
Among other must-sees is the Kanch
Mandir (the temple of mirrors) or
Seth Hukanchand temple is located
near the Rajwada. It is a Jain temple,
having plain exteriors, and contains intricate
mirror work on the inside. An 8 metre
tall bright orange statue of Lord Ganesh
is another tourist attraction.

As
you cruise through the streets, take some
time out to shop for cotton garments.
This is specifically essential since Indore
is the fourth largest textile centre in
the country. As you step into this city,
be ready to savour the flavour of the
past, present and future of India.

Indore - Facts at a Glance

State :

Madhya Pradesh

Area
:

165.17 sq
km

Temperature :

21°C
- 46°C (Summers)
6°C - 22°C (Winters)

Altitude :

567 mts

Rainfall
:

80
cms

Language
:

Marathi,
Hindi, English

Best
Season :

October - March

History of Indore

The founder of the Holkar dynasty was Malhar
Rao Holkar (1694-1766), who was appointed the
chief general of the Peshwas in 1724 because
of his valour and courage. In 1733, the Peshwa
gifted him the Indore area, thereby making him
the ruler of a vast area stretching from the
Deccan to the Malwa plateau. After his death,
his daughter-in-law, Ahilya Bai Holkar, succeeded
him.

Ahilya Bai ruled Indore from 1767 to 1795 from
a palace fort at Maheshwar on the northern bank
of the Narmada River. Although she never stayed
in Indore, it is during her reign that Indore
grew up into a big and powerful city. She constructed
several religious edifices in various parts
of India, the Kashi Vishwanath or Visheshwar
temple at Varanasi being the most prominent
among them.

Indore remained a princely state until 1947,
until India became independent and it became
a part of India along with the other states.